What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety symptoms can also be common with particular illnesses (e.g. hyperthyroidism), and in that case you need to treat the underlying problem.

When should I seek help?

If you have a lot of worries that are out of proportion to the cause, a lot of the time, see your doctor or other health professional. Anxiety is a real condition that should be treated by a health professional.

Seek treatment sooner rather than later. If left untreated, your symptoms may start to take over your life and affect your relationships with family, friends and work mates.

Your GP is a good first port of call if you need help. They can talk to you about treatment options, and check whether you have an underlying health problem contributing to your anxiety.

What are the treatment options?

What is psychological therapy?

Psychological therapies, such as CBT, help you change the underlying thoughts causing your anxiety, and learn more-helpful behaviours.

Your GP may draw up a Mental Health Treatment Plan so you can get a Medicare rebate for psychological treatment. You can do psychological therapy one-on-one with a health professional, in groups or online.

Will I need to use medicines?

If you have more-severe anxiety and psychological therapy alone isn’t helping, an antidepressant combined with psychological therapy might help you.

What are some self-help strategies?

Self-help strategies can help you better manage your life and get better control of your symptoms.

Will I be cured?

Anxiety symptoms may not disappear altogether after treatment, but they should be much less of a problem. Psychological therapy will help you manage anxious feelings if they do come back.

The benefits of psychological therapies for anxiety continue for at least 12 months after stopping therapy, and may continue as long as you apply the skills you have learned.

What are the possible complications?

People with anxiety disorders sometimes have other mental health issues, such as depression, or drug and alcohol problems. It is important to also deal with these to maximise your chances of getting well.

Related conditions

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